Seed morphology, growth and germination characteristics of Caucasian Alder in an altitudinal gradient
Subject Areas : forest
Keywords: seedling growth, Altitude, Alnus subcordata. L, Seed source, germination speed,
Abstract :
Selection of a suitable seed source is one of the most important factors affecting production of seedlings in nursery and greenhouse. The aim of presented study is to investigate seed morphology of Alnus subcordata. L (Caucasian Alder) in an altitudinal gradient and inquiry of germination and growth characteristics of obtained seedlings. Caucasian Alder seeds were collected in an altitudinal gradient including six altitudes at Golband forestry plan of Noshahr. Morphological properties including seed length, seed width, length/width ratio and weight of 1000 seeds were measured. Also germination characteristics including period of germination, germination rate, average daily germination and speed of germination were examined in three 25 replicates in a germinator. 30 healthy seeds from each altitude were sown in completely randomized design with three replicates in a greenhouse. Then at the end of the growing season growth attributes including total height, collar diameter and survival rate of all of seedlings were measured. Results showed that there were significant differences in morphological properties of seeds from different altitudes. Also there were significant statistical differences in average daily germination and germination rate. Growth attributes were significantly different in seedlings of different altitudes. Based on results of this study altitudes of 800 and 1400 m are the best source for Caucasian Alder seed collecting in order to be sown and bred in the same conditions as this study. Based On these results, further studies on pPossible genetic differences between studied populations at the molecular level seems necessary.
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